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Reichsburg Castle, Cochem

Discover the history behind neo-Gothic Reichsburg Castle on an optional excursion. As well as stunning views across the Moselle, this renovated castle which also has a beautiful collection of Renaissance and baroque furniture.

Views over the Rhine

Picture-perfect views abound during your cruise. From Koblenz to Rüdesheim, the Upper Middle Rhine Valley is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Vineyard-clad slopes punctuated by pretty towns and villages are the essence of the scenic Rhine.

River Cruise

Romantic Rhineland

Germany

from £849
7
2

Including optional travel insurance or a discount of £17 if not required

Day 1
UK to Cologne

Travel by coach from Folkestone to Cologne, via Eurotunnel, and embark Rex Rheni

Rhine
Cologne
North Rhine-Westphalia
Rhineland
Germany
Europe

Day 2
Cologne to Königswinter to Koblenz

Wake up in the pretty village of Königswinter and perhaps join an optional excursion to Bonn. Alternatively, you can choose to take the rack-rail train up to the ruins of the 12th-century Drachenfels Castle, where you can admire fantastic views. This afternoon you sail to Koblenz, passing dramatic scenery, the small island of Nonnenwerth and the ruined castle of Rolandsbogen. Your ship will pause in Remagen where you'll be able to see the remains of the old Ludendorff railway bridge.

Optional excursions

Explore the former capital of West Germany with a trip to Beethoven's birthplace including a museum, archives and chamber music hall. You'll also see the main sights on a guided walking tour of the city.

Journey through the romantic Ahr Valley and make your way to Ahrweiler, with its charming medieval district, in the heart of the valley. You'll also visit St Laurence church, one of the oldest places of worship in the Rhineland.

Journey to the fabled ruins that teeter on the summit of Dragon's Rock. According to legend, this is where Siegried slew the dragon Fafnir and bathed in its blood to become in invulnerable. You'll take a ride on the Drachenfelsbahn – Germany's oldest rack and pinion railway – and enjoy gorgeous views of the castle ruins and surrounding scenery.

Day 3
Koblenz to Zell

Koblenz has a rich history spanning two millennia, and its past is reflected in a wealth of monuments and historic buildings. The city is situated at the exact point where the Rhine and Moselle meet, and the city's name means 'merging of the rivers'. Explore the city this morning, or perhaps visit the Festung Ehrenbreitstein, a citadel built by the Prussians between 1816 and 1832. Later, sail along the tranquil Moselle to Zell, savouring panoramic views of exquisite vineyards along the way.

Moselle
Zell
Rhineland-Palatinate
Rhineland
Germany
Europe

Optional excursions

The Prussians constructed Festung Ehrenbreitstein in the early 19th century. Ride in a cable car up to the fortress with time to explore, then take a guided walk around the old city of Koblenz where you can admire the elegant architecture.

Day 4
Zell to Bernkastel-Kues

You'll have some time this morning to explore the picturesque wine town of Zell, famous for its Schwarze Katz vineyard. Vines flourish at this idyllic location on the banks of the Moselle. At 10.15am you'll leave for the picture-perfect town of Bernkastel-Kues. Arguably one of the prettiest small towns in Germany, Bernkastel-Kues features colourful Renaissance houses which line the sloping market square with its 17th-century fountain. There will be free time to go ashore and explore the town at leisure.

Day 5
Bernkastel-Kues to Cochem to Koblenz

Early this morning, Rex Rheni will leave Bernkastel-Kues, and make her way to Cochem. With the romantic backdrop of neo-Gothic Reichsburg Castle, Cochem is understandably one of the most visited places on the Moselle River.

Cochem
Rhineland-Palatinate
Rhineland
Germany
Europe
Moselle

Optional excursions

The neo-Gothic Reichsburg castle in Cochem was restored in the 19th century and offers wonderful views of the Moselle. Once you've toured the castle, a taxi will take you to a local vineyard for an introductory talk and tasting of four regional wines.

Cochem Castle
Cochem
Rhineland-Palatinate
Rhineland
Germany
Europe

Day 6
Koblenz to Rüdesheim

Cruise the most stunning stretch of the Rhine, passing Lorelei Rock and numerous castles. The rock is a symbol of the Rhine and inspired a famous poem by Heinrich Heine, which was set to music by Frederich Silcher. Continue to Rüdesheim – perhaps you'll sample the wines this region is famous for in the tavern-lined Drosselgasse.

Day 8
Cologne to the UK

Please note

Please note: Some of the highlights may only be seen on optional excursions at an additional cost, or by exploring independently. The September 10, 2015 departure follows a slightly different itinerary, please call for details.

Romantic Rhineland

Germany

from £849
7
2

Including optional travel insurance or a discount of £17 if not required